A woman, who works at a Michelin-star restaurant in Langho, has been named as one of the best ‘wine experts’ in the UK.

Magdalena Sleziak, head sommelier at Northcote, has been named in the top 100 sommelier list for 2024, a list that recognises those who are at the top of the profession.

Sommeliers are wine experts responsible for creating wine lists, recommending food and wine pairings, and advising guests on wine choices.

Magdalena, who moved to Lancashire in 2022, said the recognition “means everything” to her.

She said: "To be regarded as one of the UK's top 100 sommeliers means everything to me. It feels like all the hard work I have done has paid off.

“For me, it is an absolute privilege and something I would never have done if I hadn't moved to England to work at Northcote. 

“I came to live here in 2022 to have an opportunity to learn the highest level of wine service in a Michelin Star restaurant, one where I could get the best professional background working with people who have real expertise.”

The restaurant has a great reputation when it comes to sommeliers, creating two master sommeliers - and there are only 274 in the world.

Magdalena said: “To be part of a restaurant that has created two, of only 274 Master Sommeliers in the world is really special.

“Adam Pawłowski, one of the master sommeliers, is somebody I have always looked up to.”

According to Magdalena, making the top 100 list motivates her to work even harder in her career.

She said: “I love that I get the opportunity to learn and improve all the time. To be working with Craig Bancroft, managing director, and Lisa Goodwin-Allen, is amazing.

“With our seasonal menu, every day might bring something new that pushes you to do better and come up with new and exciting wine pairings. 

“Looking at the fact that it has only been two years that I've been to the UK, the achievement of being listed among the 100 best sommeliers in the UK, motivates me to keep going and simply makes me smile, even after a hard day.”

Earlier this month, Northcote was listed in the top 100 restaurants in the UK at the National Restaurant Awards.

Lisa said: "It is a real honour to be recognised within the Top 100 restaurants at the UK in the National Restaurant Awards for another year.

"I am very proud to be part of a restaurant that has stood the test of time. This year's list features some truly outstanding places to eat and to be part of such a growing and diversifying dining scene, particularly here in the north west, is very exciting."